"A dream, after all, needn't be fueled by particulars, only by desire." So notes main character, Gracie Antes, in CRESTMONT, a historical fiction gem set in the 1920s. Determined to take control of her life, sheltered Gracie Antes leaves her unhappy home in 1925 to pursue her dream of a singing career. On her way to the big city, she accepts a job as a housemaid at the bustling Crestmont Inn. Once there, Gracie finds a life-changing encounter with opera singer Rosa Ponselle, family she never imagined could be hers, and a man with a mysterious past. Relive the 1920s with a colorful cast of characters. Discover with Gracie that sometimes we must trade loss for happiness. Set in Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania, the story is interwoven with details about the town, the rich history of The Crestmont Inn, and the family who passed ownership from one generation to the next. Many attempts have been made to explain how the mountaintop lake nestled in this tiny town came to be. Crestmont gives a new twist to an old Native American legend, setting the tone of grace around which the story is built. Let the period of the Roaring Twenties spark your interest with its unique social mores, fashion, jazz, and yes, a little bootlegging thrown in for pizzazz.
Holly Weiss was born in New Jersey in 1950. She is a private vocal instructor, retired professional singer and a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. A polio survivor, she resides with her husband, Ernie, in Connecticut. She holds a B.S. in Music Education and Master of Music from Northwestern University. Crestmont is her first novel.
Visit her at http://www.hollyweiss.com
Downloadable Readers Guide for book groups on the "About the Book" tab.
The singer's voice led to the author's voice in 2006. Weiss's Crestmont journey began when she stayed overnight at The Crestmont Inn in Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania. A spark was lit to explore the lives of people working on staff at a busy summer inn. The 1920s period, replete with jazz, prohibition, fashion trends and interesting social mores perked her interest. After extensive research, writing retreats, guidance from God and encouragement from her husband, her debut novel, Crestmont, became a reality three and one-half years later. The novel is dedicated to her parents.
Ms. Weiss is an advocate for Eradicate Polio Now. http://www.polioeradication.org/Home.aspx
